Creating A Circle of Possibility: How to Positively Influence Yourself
When it comes to personal growth, much of the advice focuses on avoiding toxic influences and seeking positive people. But what if the real work is creating a “circle of possibility” within ourselves? What if we could become our own most encouraging, grounded, and inspiring influence? This shift from relying on external validation to internal alignment is the first step toward building a more empowered life.
Understanding the Circle of Possibility
The “circle of possibility” is a mindset and an internal support system. It’s about cultivating an inner environment where self-belief thrives and opportunities feel within reach, even if they challenge our comfort zones. This doesn’t mean avoiding all negativity or difficulty but rather setting the stage for an open, flexible perspective that aligns with our true potential.
In this approach, every thought, belief, and part of ourselves plays a role in expanding or limiting our circle. We get to choose if our internal world keeps us boxed into old stories or if we’ll create new possibilities rooted in our authentic nature.
Step 1: Identify Your Limiting Beliefs and Thought Patterns
Every journey begins by acknowledging where we are. Often, limiting beliefs—like “I’m not capable,” “I don’t deserve this,” or “I’ll never succeed”—take root unconsciously and continue unchecked. These beliefs form a restrictive “box,” dictating what we think we can achieve and who we can become.
To start breaking this box, take some time to:
Reflect on Repeating Thoughts: Notice the thoughts that come up when you think about your goals. Write down any negative patterns that emerge.
Question Their Origins: Often, these beliefs stem from past experiences, cultural narratives, or conditioning rather than true limitations.
By naming these limiting beliefs, you begin disarming them. They lose power when brought to light and questioned.
Step 2: Unlock Inner Strengths and Untapped Potential
Once we start shedding old beliefs, it’s time to unlock the hidden strengths lying within. This is where the concept of “parts work” can be especially empowering. Each of us holds a multitude of “parts”—aspects of ourselves that carry unique skills, insights, and emotions. These might include the inner critic, the protector, the wounded child, and the wise self, among others.
Working with these parts involves:
Recognizing and Naming Each Part: Imagine each part as an aspect with its own voice and concerns. For instance, your inner critic might push you hard because it fears failure.
Dialoguing with Parts: Ask each part what it wants for you. Listen without judgment, seeking to understand how it’s trying to help, even if the methods seem harsh.
This process of acknowledging and accepting different parts creates a more cohesive and empowered self. It invites cooperation among all parts, forming a balanced inner circle where each part contributes its strengths and perspectives.
Step 3: Empty the Box of Emotional Baggage
For our circle of possibility to truly open, we need to clear out old emotional baggage that weighs us down. This includes unprocessed pain, unresolved grief, and old resentments that may continue influencing our present choices.
Consider these approaches to clearing out emotional clutter:
Practice Self-Compassion: Instead of judging past decisions or mistakes, show yourself the compassion you’d offer a friend.
Use Somatic Release Techniques: Emotions are often stored in the body. Try methods like deep breathing, mindfulness, or movement to let go of tension and pent-up feelings.
Seek Support When Needed: Processing emotions alone can sometimes feel overwhelming. Therapy, coaching, or support groups can offer safe spaces for exploring these deep feelings.
Releasing old emotional baggage creates space within for new, empowering beliefs and experiences to flourish.
Step 4: Develop Practical, Positive Habits
Influence yourself positively by establishing habits that reinforce your growth and well-being. Rather than looking to others for validation or encouragement, try integrating self-affirming practices into your daily routine. Small actions can act as steady reminders of your inner potential, especially in moments of doubt.
Here are some practices to consider:
Daily Affirmations: Select affirmations that genuinely resonate with your goals, such as “I am capable of growth,” “I am worthy of happiness,” or “I trust myself to make wise decisions.” Keep in mind: affirmations are not about mindless repetition. For them to be effective, they must be felt deeply and authentically within. The real power of affirmations lies in allowing yourself to experience the truth of these statements in meditation, embodying them with feeling. It’s this inner alignment, not mere repetition, that invites meaningful change.
Gratitude Journaling: Reflecting on things you appreciate, even small victories, shifts your focus from what’s lacking to what’s present and abundant.
Visualization: Take time each day to envision the life you’re working toward. Visualizing success helps program your mind to recognize and move toward the opportunities that align with your goals.
These practices encourage a supportive, possibility-oriented mindset, helping to keep the circle open, positive, and future-focused.
Step 5: Step Beyond the Box and Sustain Your Personal Evolution
With each of these steps, you’ve laid the foundation for a powerful internal support system. Now, it’s time to break the box completely—to step beyond old boundaries and embrace sustainable growth. This part of the journey is about resilience, self-trust, and commitment to evolution, even when challenges arise.
Consider these tips for sustaining your growth:
Embrace a Growth Mindset: View challenges as opportunities to learn rather than as setbacks.
Revisit Your Goals Regularly: Reflect on what you’ve achieved, and refine your goals as you evolve.
Celebrate Every Step Forward: No progress is too small. Acknowledging each step reinforces positive self-influence and encourages continued growth.
Final Thoughts: Inviting New Possibilities Into Your Life
By creating your circle of possibility, you open the door to a more fulfilling life shaped by your own positive influence. Instead of depending on external circumstances or others for validation, you become the source of your encouragement, insight, and resilience. This internal shift unlocks the potential for growth, inviting possibility into every corner of your life.
Ready to step into a new way of being? Discover how powerful it can be to turn within, nurture every part of yourself, and live authentically. Book your assessment today to begin your journey of self-discovery and personal empowerment. Your circle of possibility is waiting—let’s break the box and expand what’s possible together.
Let’s Go!
Zac